Oshawa Generals wish Coach Derek Laxdal the best as he departs after two seasons
Oshawa, Ont. – The Oshawa Generals organization is announcing the departure of head coach Derek Laxdal after spending two seasons with the club as he has accepted a new position with the American Hockey League’s Coachella Valley Firebirds, an affiliate team with NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
Laxdal was named the 35th head coach in Oshawa Generals history in the summer of 2022 and was named the Ontario Hockey League’s Coach of the Year for the 2023/24 season. Laxdal guided the team to wrap up their regular season with a 12-game win streak to secure first seed in the Conference standings where they then became Eastern Champions with the Bobby Orr Trophy in hand. During his time with the Generals, Laxdal took a group of young athletes and moulded them to unlock their potential and strive for greatness, especially this past season after competing for the OHL Championship.
“Derek was great for our organization. I was hopeful he would be back next season but when you win Coach of the Year these opportunities come your way,” says Generals’ GM and Vice President, Roger Hunt. “We wish Derek all the best in his next coaching chapter.”
Originally from Stonewall, Manitoba, Laxdal boasts a lengthy coaching resume that includes a pair of WHL championships as head coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings from 2010-14, capping his tenure there by hoisting the Memorial Cup. He’s also served as an assistant coach of the NHL’s Dallas Stars from 2019-22 along with head coaching assignments with the AHL’s Texas Stars (2014-20), ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads (2005-10) where he won a Kelly Cup title in 2007, as well as with the CHL’s Wichita Thunder (2002-05).
On the ice, Laxdal played 67 career NHL contests between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders between 1984-91 as part of a lengthy professional career. A right-winger, his junior career was spent between the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, Brandon Wheat Kings and New Westminster Bruins as he was an eighth-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1984. Laxdal additionally represented Canada’s National Junior Team in 1986.
“Derek was outstanding for our program and the development of so many players,” says General’s Owner and President, Rocco Tullio. “Our organization had great success under Derek with the entire coaching staff. We are happy for him and his family and wish nothing but continued success.”
Derek will be missed by the staff, players, and the whole GensNation community. We wish him well as he approaches this new chapter in California.
Once a General, always a General.
A message from Coach Lax:
I would like to thank Rocco Tullio for the opportunity to coach one of the most prestigious CHL franchises. My two years in the OHL coaching the Generals was two of the most satisfying years of my coaching career. I would also like to thank GM Roger Hunt for his continued support during the past two seasons.
A special thank you to Steve O’Rourke, Mike Farrugia, Mike Parson, Austin Waskurak, Bryan Boyes, Shawn Winters and Dan Noble for all their long hours and commitment to the Oshawa Generals. Working with this staff made my job much easier and enjoyable.
I would also like to thank the players over the past two seasons for their dedication to their game and to the Oshawa Generals culture. It was an amazing journey this season with the run to the OHL finals. I wish nothing but success for the players moving forward.
Lastly, I have to say thank you to the fans. Your support over the last two years has been incredible. Seeing the building full every playoff game this year and cheering on your team was incredible. Experiencing the game seven celebration against North Bay will always be one of the best experiences of my coaching career. The future is bright for the Oshawa Generals, with all the draft picks in the 2024 draft. Keep up the amazing support!!!!
Thank You,
Derek Laxdal
